Playwright Steps Into THOUGHTS OF A COLORED MAN and Saves Performance From Being Cancelled

Last night at Broadway's new hit play, Thoughts of a Colored Man, playwright Keenan Scott II made the rare move of going on in one of the roles, after a cast member tested positive for COVID-19 and two non-COVID related illnesses felled the cast.

With the three actors out, and only two trained understudies standing by to go on, the production asked producer Brian Moreland if Scott could step into the role of "Wisdom" with less than 15 minutes until curtain - not wanting the audience to be without a performance. Scott performed the role script-in-hand. He is expected to continue playing the role at least through the holiday weekend.

Producer Moreland said, "It was a thrilling night for a Broadway audience to experience our play. Keenan Scott II is a bold new voice for now, and last night he exhibited the power and resilience of everyone who makes up the Broadway community."

Check out photos from the evening below!

When Thoughts of a Colored Man opened on Oct. 13, 2021, it made history as the first Broadway show to be written, directed by, starring and lead produced by Black men.

The Thoughts of a Colored Man ensemble cast currently features Emmy Award winner Dyllón Burnside, Bryan Terrell Clark, Da'Vinchi, Grammy Award nominee Luke James, Tony Award nominee Forrest McClendon, Grammy Award nominee Tristan Mack Wilds and Esau Pritchett.

As with most Broadway productions, Thoughts of a Colored Man will continue its regularly scheduled performances through the Holiday season, including two performances today (Wednesday) at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Photo Credit: Tricia Baron